Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first ones to receive the Covid vaccine on Monday as vaccination opened for the general population, beginning with people above 60 and those above 45 with co-morbidities, from March 1.
Modi who received his first dose at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi early this morning, also sent out a positive message by taking the totally indigenous Covaxin, questions about whose efficacy were raised on account of phase 3 clinical trials not being completed before approval was given.
The vaccine based on the inactivated SARS-Cov2 virus has been developed jointly by the Indian Council of Medical Research scientists along with Bharat Biotech India Ltd. Emergency approval given to the vaccine, along with Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India, Pune, was questioned by experts as phase 3 clinical trials had not been completed in a larger set of volunteers.
Though India commenced Covid vaccination on January 16, the first two phases were given to priority groups such as health are workers and frontline workers.
"I took my first dose of the Covid vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against Covid19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India Covid-19 free," Modi tweeted from his personal Twitter handle after taking the vaccine shot.
The vaccine was administered to the Prime Minister by P Niveda, a nurse from Pondicherry, and she was assisted by Rosamma Anil, a nurse from Kerala. "Sir (Modi) was given Covaxin and his second dose will be due in 28 days. The vaccination was so smooth, he didn't even realise the vaccine was injected," Niveda said. "It was nice to see him. Sir was also very comfortable," said a thrilled Anil, who also said she wasn't aware till this morning she would be on a duty like this.
Those eligible for vaccination can book their slots online, but they will not be able to choose the vaccine they want. Mobile number is a must to register as it would be used to send messages relating to scheduling of the vaccination and further alerts regarding the second dose. As many as four people can register on a single mobile number.